CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: The Church of Our Lady Immaculate and St Cuthbert's, in Crook, celebrated the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone on Sunday.

A book telling the story of the church will be launched at a service on Tuesday, October 14, at 7pm. A series of events will culminate in a special Mass on October 25 next year, to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the church.

HEALTH COURSE: A five-week free course called Hands on Health starts on Monday, from 10am to noon at the Methodist Church Hall, Dawson Street, Crook.

Booking forms and details are available from Crook library, the civic centre or by calling (01207) 529621.

pension ADVICE: The Department for Work and Pensions will hold an advice session about the new pension credit at the Signpost Information Centre, Royal Corner, Crook, on Thursday, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The benefit, which starts in October, is designed to reward pensioners with modest savings or occupational pensions, who are unable to claim at present.

FREE COURSES: A flower arranging course, organised by Bishop Auckland College, will start at Howden-le-Wear Community Centre on Thursday, and run for five weeks.

A course on interior design begins at the centre on Wednesday, September 17, and runs from 6pm to 8pm.

A six-week course on Christmas crafts starts on Wednesday, October 1.

Contact Steve Thow, Joan Potts or Marion Johnson on (01388) 443059 for more information

FAMILY DISCO: Crook Cricket Club is holding a family disco on Saturday, from 7pm to 11pm. Admission is 50p. On Saturday, September 27, a race night is being held from 8pm. More information is available from Eddie Murphy on (01388) 762003.

WHIST DRIVE: A whist drive is being held at Helmington Row Village Hall on Saturday, at 2pm.